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The Easter Rising told through unpublished documents

“In view of.. state of affairs in County Galway martial law ought to be proclaimed”

Having regard to the disturbed state of County Galway as disclosed by wire from County Inspector at Ennis the Inspector General is of opinion that the Constabulary should do all in their power to grapple with matters till the military can deal with it, and he recommends that detachments as large as can be spared should be sent by trains, motors and other available transport to concentrate at Ballinasloe and Ennis for the following counties: Westmeath, Longford, Roscommon, Mayo, Letrim, Antrim, Armagh, Fermanagh, and Down, those bracketed to go to Claremorris and move on from there to Tuam and Athenry. Motor cars to be employed at Dublin to order the detachments if necessary,

If there is a formidable Sinn Fein gathering at Cashel the Inspector General suggests detachments be sent from Waterford, Kilkenny, North Tipperary and Cork BR.

The inspector General feels very strongly that in view of the seriousness of the state of affairs in County Galway martial law ought to be proclaimed in that County at once and anywhere else where the position becomes similarly threatening, and he desires the DIG to lay his recommendations before the Under Secretary.

Arrangements for concentration approved but suggested that in place of denuding Mayo and Roscommon 200 men should be sent from Belfast, and generally police in doubtful Counties should be deeply concentrated.